Joyce Ann DeFord Pulsifer

Joyce Ann Deford Pulsifer passed away on October 2, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by her family. Joyce was born on June 24, 1942, in Paul, Idaho, to Afton and Alene Johnson. The family, including her two older brothers, Stan and Dick, moved to Twin Falls, Idaho when she was a young child. She attended school in Twin Falls, graduating from Twin Falls High School. She then attended Idaho State University, where she studied art. While at ISU she met and married Howard Piquet, Jr. Their first daughter, Jeannie (Hunter), was born while they were in Germany during Howard’s Army service. Their second daughter, Ginger (Madson), was born in Texas. Joyce then returned to Idaho and was later divorced. She then married Gary DeFord in 1976. Joyce and Gary had their first son, Edward. The family was sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple, and the birth of their second son, David, completed the family. The couple started Sagebrush Studios, a business that grew out of their shared passion for art and gave them the means to provide for their family. The couple were happily married. Gary died in 1987. Upon Gary’s death, Joyce, as a widow, raised her children and pursued her artistic talents, becoming a well-known artist and teacher in the art community. She saw the world through her artistic eye and could create the most beautiful paintings. She was able to paint with watercolor, acrylic, and oil on all types of materials. She was involved in numerous art councils and clubs, and her paintings hang in homes and businesses across many states and beyond the U.S. She shared her paintings and talents with everyone she met — anyone who was her friend most likely has one of her paintings in their home or office. In 2003 she met and married Carl Pulsifer. The two traveled extensively, usually on roads they had never traveled before. Carl championed Joyce’s painting, helping her place her work in galleries across the country. Carl took up photography, and Joyce took photos that she later painted. Joyce’s multiple physical ailments never kept her down for long. Skydiving had been a lifelong dream, and on her 75th birthday she finally did it — a testament to her adventurous spirit, one that never let anything stand in her way.

Joyce was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was always willing to serve in any capacity she was asked, but usually ended up teaching because of her talent and love of teaching. Joyce’s happy smile and “kind face” drew people to her. She always had a story, most of which had a moral or lesson, and a hearty laugh for anyone needing a bit of cheering up. She is survived by her children, Jeannie (Richard) Hunter, Ginger (Mike) Madson, Edward (Jen) DeFord, and David (Ronnie) DeFord; her husband, Carl Pulsifer, and his children Marc, Sarah, Ann, and Regan; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Gary DeFord, her parents, and her brothers Stan and Dick. Joyce’s Memorial Service will be held October 17th at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 840 West Midway Street, Filer, Idaho.